Beginner Guide: How To Build A Golf Grip
How To Build A Golf Grip
Whether you’re new to golf or looking to improve your game, you must know how to build a golf grip before anything else. Ask any seasoned pro, and they’ll agree to master the correct golf grip is the first lesson to learn in becoming a champion golfer. This blog gives you our step-by-step guide to building a comfortable and accurate hold. Covering everything from proper techniques to adjusting for both left-handed and right-handed players, we’ll also delve into legendary Tiger Woods’ golf grip and why he attributed it to his remarkable success on the course.
Why Is It Important To Have a Perfect Golf Grip
Wondering why the golf grip is so important? It’s all about physics. How you hold a golf club directly influences the ball’s direction, trajectory and accuracy, in other words, every aspect of your game. Proper alignment can significantly enhance your ability to square the clubface, reducing slices and hooks. It’s about finding the perfect finger placement and hand pressure and adjusting accordingly for the precise power, swing and distance required. For a fluid and natural swing, comfort is essential, which may require trying a few different grips until you find the right fit for your game.
How To Grip The Golf Club
Before we dive into the types of golf grips, it’s essential to know how to grip a golf club using your lead from your trail hand. Your lead hand is your dominant hand, which will control the club, while your trail hand offers support and stability. Here’s the best way to grip your hands around the golf club to enhance your swing and hopefully create a more consistent shot.
Step 1: Start with your lead hand
With your lead arm hanging softly by your side, wrap your lead hand around your golf club handle using a firm yet relaxed pressure that still feels natural. Holding the club, lift it straight out in front of you and slowly begin rotating the handle back and forth, like turning a door handle, adjusting slightly until it feels comfortable.
Step 2: Use your trail hand for fine-tuning
Next, lower the club to the ground in front of your body and place your trail hand on the handle in your preferred position, either interlocked, overlapped or baseball grip. Consider the hand placement and pressure, adjusting until it feels comfortable. You must also make alterations depending on whether you’re left or right-handed, which we’ll touch on shortly.
Step 3: Practice the swing
While hand placement is essential in building a strong golf grip, applying the correct pressure is necessary. Avoid squeezing too tightly, as it can hinder your wrist action as you swing. Maintain consistent pressure with both hands throughout the swing to promote control and accuracy.
Step 4: Adjust and commit to memory
It may take some trial and error to find your perfect grip, so experiment with different styles and make necessary adjustments to find a fit that complements your swing and suits your game. Use golf lessons to fine-tune your hand placement and pressure and develop muscle memory to ensure a consistent grip.
Golf Grip Right Hand
For the right-handed golfer using the overlapping grip, start by placing the club’s handle diagonally across the fingers of your right hand. The club’s grip should rest below the heel pad, allowing the fingers to close around it naturally. Using your left hand, or trail hand, use the interlock or overlap methods to grip the club securely.
Golf Grip Left Hand
Finding the perfect left-handed golf grip requires the same steps as a right-handed grip; however, using opposite hands. Wrap your left hand around the club. With your left hand in place, bring the right hand to the club, ensuring that the little finger of the right-hand overlaps the index finger of the left hand.
What Are The Different Types Of Golf Grips?
Remember that golf grips are a matter of personal preference, and the most important factor is finding a grip that allows you to swing the club comfortably and consistently. As with any grip, practice and experiment to determine your preferred style and what helps you achieve the best outcomes on the golf course.
Overlap Grip
Also known as the Vardon grip, the overlapping grip is where you slide the little finger of your right hand between the index and middle fingers of your left hand. The right hand’s little finger should rest snugly against the index finger of your left hand.
Interlock Grip
Like the overlap style, the interlocking golf grip is where the index finger interlocks with the little finger to create a secure grip. Popularised by Tiger Woods, the interlocking golf grip is known for its ability to generate a powerful swing and remarkable ball strike.
Baseball Grip
The “baseball grip” in golf, also known as the ten-finger or full-finger grip, is an alternative way to hold the golf club. Unlike the traditional overlapping or interlocking grip, the baseball grip involves placing all ten fingers directly on the club’s grip without interlocking or overlapping them. This grip is commonly used by beginners, juniors, and players with small hands or limited flexibility.
Book A Golf Lesson Today!
By following these step-by-step instructions and incorporating the insights from Tiger Woods’ techniques, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of gripping the golf club, setting the foundation for a more controlled, accurate, and powerful game on the golf course.
Need help to build the perfect golf grip? At Eynesbury Golf, we offer a range of golf lessons to help improve your game. Get in touch to book a private or group lesson or to speak with our friendly golf coach.